w/ Marla A. Garza

It was nine o’clock on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2017 at Colorado Spring's "The Black Sheep." The venue was half full which grew and ultimately festooned to max capacity as the U.K.’s up-and-coming band Bones hit the stage. This was their second night in a row on this dais playing a consecutive sold-out show in support with Highly Suspect. My first impression was, “these chicks look hardcore.” My intuitions are always correct. The lead singer Rosie Bones wore her long dark locks in a single ponytail with her back facing the crowd. The other metal maiden of the group is Carmen Vandenberg. a pixie haired blonde, clad in a leather jacket. This lady let her guitar speak for her! Massive tone, and tasty licks came squealing from her innocent looking white Fender Telecaster. Her prowess transcended the fingerboard as she adds unconventional sounds by playing strings on the head stock with dramatic flair. “This song is dedicated to everyone’s imperfections” Rosie Bones explained of their new single titled “Beautiful Is Boring”. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out this band was opening for Highly Suspect as I just downloaded this song a week before after hearing it on Octane. This is their first U.S. tour but I assure you it won’t be their last. Around halfway through their performance Rosie spoke of a moment in their musical journey. She told of a fellow male musician from their hometown, who told them they were good... but they will never be better than his band because it is “biologically impossible”. To me nothing is more motivating then serving up a slice of F-U. Bones executed that with their song “Girls Can’t Play Guitar”. Sir, whoever you are…I thank you, because you sparked some lyrical fierceness on this one! I can only imagine how many little girls who relate to the message of “you can’t”. Bones you truly showed us you can. Carmen, your stage presence especially with that song was empowering. A cigarette in your mouth a cut off vest you truly showed us you can make that Tele your bitch! I look forward to the next show! Cheers!

https://www.bonesuk.com/IG @bonesbandbones

1020pm, The Black Sheep was completely packed, barely leaving elbow-to-elbow room when Highly Suspect opened up with “Send Me an Angel.” I could feel the 80’s in my soul. Too bad I left my leg warmers at home because Colorado weather warranted them. Their rendition wasn't a regurgitated cover. Highly Suspect made this classic their own! It was melodic, but aggressive. It was given a much needed boost of driving rhythm, and searing guitar texture which added the right amount of doom to an otherwise happy new wave favorite. I am favoring their version over the original every time I hear it. In the middle of their set, I noticed their tour manager tossing something into the crowd like a Frisbee. I couldn't make out what this airborne UFO was, until I noticed that this object crumbled and was sticking the faces in its path. Then it hit me….it was a cake! LET THEM EAT CAKE! So it was dessert and a show! I have to admit I was never more grateful to be in the back of the crowd then I was at that very moment. This group is so talented. Towards the end of their set they each switched instruments showing everyone just how badass they are. I’ve been to many concerts and the way they closed it down blew my mind. Rich, Ryan, and Carmen decided to crowd surf. It was GLORIOUS!